Sometimes a new model year simply brings more of the same for a vehicle, with little to really get excited about. Other times, however, you get major improvements and exciting new features that make the best even better––which is exactly what we find with the updated 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. Already one of the most powerful and luxurious trucks on the road, the 2024 model year boasts a number of exciting new features and advancements. If you need incredible power and performance in your truck but have been waiting for something new to get excited about, this is your moment.
For starters, the powertrains for the GMC Sierra 2500 HD are better than ever before, which is saying something because both engines were already excellent. You still have two impressive options to choose from, letting you pick either a standard V8 gas engine or an available Duramax turbo-diesel that greatly improves overall performance. GMC uses a fantastic Allison 10-speed automatic transmission with both engines now, whereas that was only available with the diesel engine in previous years. Even better, the Duramax has been retuned for improved performance and now delivers 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque, giving you more muscle than ever before.
This makes the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD incredibly fun and rewarding to drive, with plenty of power to handle just about anything you throw at it. With the standard gas engine, the Sierra 2500 HD can handle up to 16,000 lbs of conventional towing capacity, while the available diesel engine boosts that to up to 20,000 lbs. If you are interested in gooseneck or fifth-wheel towing, you are in even better shape, as the diesel engine allows the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD to handle up to 22,500 lbs of gooseneck towing. Perhaps best of all, this incredible power is combined with more luxury than ever, thanks to an all-new Denali Ultimate trim. This premium option includes full-grain leather-wrapped door panels, full-grain leather seating, a 12-speaker Bose Premium Centerpoint sound system, and all-new 16-way power-adjustable massaging front seats.
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When looking at a truck, few things are as important as the engine and drivetrain packed into it, along with the kind of performance it delivers. This is vital for any sort of truck, but it is even more essential when considering a heavy-duty model like the GMC Sierra 2500 HD. The Sierra 2500 HD has always excelled in this department, yet the powertrain options have only become better with the 2024 model. No matter which engine you choose, you will get a better driving experience than you could find with the previous model year, thanks to improved transmission options and boosted diesel power.
One of the best things about the GMC Sierra 2500 HD is that you have two great options for the engine, giving you enough freedom to get what you want without going overboard. The standard 6.6L V8 gas engine delivers a solid 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. This has been the standard engine for a while now, but in previous years it came with a six-speed automatic transmission. That transmission was fine, but we have been hoping for something better. With the 2024 model year, GMC has answered our call by making an Allison 10-speed automatic the standard transmission for this engine.
The other engine you can choose is a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8. This sounds like the same engine that has been available since 2017, but GMC’s engineers have tuned it for better performance. Looking at last year’s model, its diesel engine offered 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. However, the diesel engine in the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD delivers 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. You can see this is a significant improvement that helps boost performance and makes a fantastic truck even better.
One of the main reasons many people choose a truck over any other sort of vehicle is for the ability to haul a trailer, camper, or something else behind you. This is certainly important for a light-duty pickup, but it becomes even more vital when you are looking at a heavy-duty option like one of the GMC Sierra HD models. The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD is incredibly capable and can handle a tremendous amount of weight, making it a fantastic choice for getting a lot of towing done. Just keep in mind that your choice of engine and configuration impact towing.
The GMC Sierra 2500 HD works very well for both conventional and gooseneck towing, though you will not get a massive boost to towing performance with a gooseneck setup. If you are looking for a major improvement, a Sierra 3500 HD with a dual-rear-wheel setup is a better way to go. For the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD, the standard gas engine can handle up to 16,000 lbs of conventional towing or 18,700 lbs of gooseneck towing. It is important to remember that other configuration choices, such as choosing a Crew Cab instead of a Regular Cab, can also impact your maximum towing potential.
If you want the best power and capability from the GMC Sierra 2500 HD, you should go with the available Duramax turbo-diesel. With the diesel engine, the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD can handle up to 20,000 lbs of conventional towing, which is a significant boost over the standard gas engine. If you are looking for even greater capability, then the Sierra 2500 HD with the diesel engine can tow up to 22,500 lbs using a gooseneck setup. You can see this is a fantastic amount of weight that the Sierra 2500 HD can handle, but you will have to decide on the sort of towing you need and choose accordingly.
The 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD has a lot to offer when it comes to impressive power, great towing capability, innovative safety features, and much more. That being said, one thing that really sets this truck apart from so many other models out there is the gorgeous styling and luxury features available for it. GMC has always been a leader in this area with its stunning Denali trim, but for the 2024 model year, the Sierra 2500 HD is going further thanks to an all-new, first-ever Denali Ultimate trim with unsurpassed sophistication.
This new trim level is not the only thing setting the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD apart from previous years, as the exterior has also received a stylish update with gorgeous new features. For example, you will find a revised front bumper, fascia, and grille on each trim for the 2024 model year, giving this truck a new look with bold and aggressive details. Animated lighting sequences now play when you approach and start the GMC Sierra 2500 HD, and six new exterior colors, including Volcanic Red Tintcoat and Titanium Rush Metallic, make this truck look better than ever.
However, the first-ever Denali Ultimate trim for the Sierra 2500 HD is the star of the show, with amazing new features to enjoy. For starters, it has a unique grille and badging in exclusive Vader chrome, with 20-inch Ultra-bright machined wheels, unique fender badging, and more on the exterior. Inside, you will find full-grain leather-wrapped door panels and etched stainless-steel speaker grilles for a touch of luxury throughout the interior. This is joined by full-grain leather seating with unique Denali Ultimate badging, all-new 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality, and a standard 15-inch multicolor head-up display. Altogether, the Denali Ultimate lives up to its name and gives you an exclusive experience backed by incredible power and capability.